I’ve written about this in the past. Someone recently called my attention to it so here is a recap. Example: Some people born on the cusp assume they are born under Leo, when the Sun may have already moved into Virgo at the time of their birth. Or they shrug when you ask them what sign they are, and say, “Oh, I don’t know. I’m on the cusp. My birthday is August 22, I must be both Leo and Virgo.” Or they simply blurt, “I’m not sure.”
The cusp is the border between two zodiac signs. It falls between 30º of Leo and 0º of Virgo, for example. Each sign has 30º. Every month the Sun moves into the next sign in a window of the 19th through the 23rd. You could look up the exact date and time of the sign change in the ephemeris at the library. Or you could ask an astrologer to look it up for you. Nowadays, you can get your birth chart on line. You can get a free chart at astro.com.
Let’s say you have done the homework and found your Sun was in 29º50’ of Leo. You might not like Leo and feel much more like Virgo. You might not go for the nightlife or flashy clothes. You like earth colors, sweaters and faded jeans. You work as a teacher or a nurse and enjoy helping people. These are Virgo traits. You might take a closer look and discover that Mercury, Venus and other planets are in Virgo. You might have Virgo rising, that is, on the ascendant. If the Moon is in Virgo, you have the emotional make-up of Virgo, with sympathetic, nurturing tendencies. But Leo could still shine through from time to time. You could have a stubborn streak and a self-righteous, authoritarian manner. You could be bossy. Leo is a fire sign so you have a temper. But you are also sociable, fun-loving and a generous friend.
You are most likely a combination of both signs on the cusp. It’s even possible not to look or act like either one. You might have a planet on the ascendant and exhibit an entirely different persona. It is important to check what signs the ruling planets of the sun sign and the ascendant are in because they influence the personality. I’ve often said, each person is like a snowflake, with a unique combination of signs and planets, as well as whatever they got from Mom and Dad. Even identical twins born a minute apart have differences. Furthermore, everyone has free will, to follow their own soul plan. That takes precedence over everything else.
Most people identify with their zodiac sign without learning more about the meat and potatoes of astrology. Being born on the cusp is not important. You can look up your birthday and be sure exactly where your Sun is. Or you can just say you’re a Leo-Virgo. The bottom line is, there is no bottom line. There are no hard and fast rules. Example: I know four people born on July 22, in different years. That’s the cusp of Cancer-Leo. They are all so different. They don’t identify strictly with either sign because they have planets and aspects in other signs that have a stronger influence.
Celestial Almanac: Pisces New Moon March 2, Virgo Full Moon March 18. Mardi Gras, March 1. Spring Equinox March 20. (Note this month’s photo: Sunflowers in solidarity with Ukraine!)
Read on for the March forecast. Happy spring!
There is more social activity, success and new connections in your career. Your boss likes you. You are moving on up. It is generally a positive period, even if you don’t have a career to speak of. When Venus and Mars move into Aquarius, you will be more involved with friends and groups. You might be invited to join a book club or bridge group. Go to the gym more and meet people. The Spring Equinox is good for new beginnings and pampering yourself.
Travel is still possible early this month, and when Venus and Mars change signs you will focus more on your career, public life and professional image. Read about Aries. You may get a little help from your friends and group connections, depending on your situation. When the love planets join Saturn at the end of March, there may be more work, or a bonus. The chickens come home to roost, so make sure you have played your cards right with no shortcuts.
Mercury in Aquarius until March 10 is very good for travel and communications. Then Venus and Mars enter Aquarius and this also favors travel. It is an excellent influence. Business abroad, new enterprises, professional contacts, creative activities and friendships are blooming. Some of you may find romance while on vacation. When the love planets cross Saturn at the end of March, there may be more responsibility, or rewards for a job well done. You may have an extended stay in another country but there is a good reason. Roll with it.
Venus and Mars are in exact conjunction in your marriage house, and winding up their visit here. On March 6 they move into Aquarius and influence finances, legal affairs, wills and inheritance. Because of Saturn, money from the parents may be involved. Some of you might have a passionate affair. The house of wills, finance and death is also the house of sex. Bet you didn’t know that. Jupiter will bring a chance to travel or spiritual illumination. You will learn a great deal and grow as a person at this time. The Spring Equinox may bring new employment.
While Mercury is still in Aquarius until March 10, communications are favored. This is good for business. Your love life and all one-on-one relationships are favored by Venus and Mars when they move into Aquarius on March 6. Generally this is a lovely transit, even when they cross Saturn later. At that time, you may have to take care of your partner if he needs help. Or, you may be involved with a much older romantic partner. Saturn isn’t altogether bad, you see.
Read about Pisces. Jupiter and Neptune may bring a special person into your life. He may be the love of your life. Someone you have dreamed about. Just be careful. He may not be quite what he seems (Neptune), but an illusion. Don’t get taken in but have a good time while it lasts. You may leave a current relationship for someone else. The grass looks greener. Generally, on a happy note this is a nice transit for romance. Take a trip with your partner or go on a romantic date.
Read about Gemini. What I said about Venus and Mars applies to your social life, romance, recreation, leisure time and children. For the most part it is a nice influence for meeting new people and going out with friends. Also, the Spring Equinox brings beginnings, such as new romance, business partnerships and creative projects. It is a good time to propose marriage, start a business, in design or marketing. Fashion and the arts are favored.
When Venus and Mars move into Aquarius, family and home life will bring happiness and harmony. Couples will marry, make plans and set up housekeeping. It is favorable for buying a new home or beautiful furniture. A renovation will turn out nice. Babies come. Relatives visit and those who have had a falling-out will bury the hatchet and make up at this time. Some of you will find love in your own backyard or at a school reunion. Reconnect with old friends.
Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces are having a kind of field day, in family and home life. They will almost be in conjunction at the end of March. There are many possibilities. You may simply be enjoying life, having fun with friends. Much of this entertaining is going on right at home. It’s a good time to get a home improvement loan. You may go back to school for continuing education. You may study spiritual subjects. Your bank account is in good shape.
Venus and Mars are leaving, crossing Pluto on the way. Transformation and change. The Spring Equinox on March 20 is helpful to you as with all the cardinal signs. This means renewal, a fresh start or a new cycle at home. Babies may be born now. Some of you may close on a new home and move in, or you can start house-hunting. Do a thorough spring cleaning. Repairs and renovation are favored. Buy lawn furniture and plant shrubs. Spruce up the place.
Venus and Mars in exact conjunction move into your sign on March 6 and stick close until Venus separates at the end of the month. Enjoy this while it lasts! It is a lucky transit in many ways. Relationships are favored and now you are more attractive than usual. Someone new is coming into your life. Try to get out more. A friendship may become something more. Because of Mars you have lots of energy. Creativity is favored. Write, draw, paint, or play music.
Jupiter is almost on top of Neptune (exact conjunction in early April). From February: Enjoy life but don’t eat or drink too much or the pounds will creep up on you. Moderation. There is good luck, optimism, new friends, opportunities, and a desire for expansion and adventure. Neptune increases intuition but also illusion, so be careful. If you get an idea, act on it and have faith. Spiritual inspiration is increased. You may have a revelation. Go to the beach or the woods and commune with nature. Mercury passes through here on March 23-24. Communications, creativity, writing, intuition, dreams and psychic ability are favored.